A man has admitted murdering a van driver as he made a delivery to a North Yorkshire town. On day four of his trial for the murder of Mohammed Khan, 27-year-old James Brabbs changed his plea to guilty. He has been sentenced to life.

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Mohammed Khan, 36, was found at 2.30am on 23rd September 2012 by an off-duty officer on Long Street. He had been in a crash and was found with serious injuries. He died in hospital. A post mortem examination found Mr Khan died from a stab wound to the neck and a murder investigation was launched.

Mr Khan had travelled from Leyburn to Easingwold. He went to the Horseshoe pub at 10pm for directions. He visited a takeaway in Spring Street. He later met three women outside the New Inn and drove them to the Horseshoe. This is where Mr Khan met Brabbs.

The two men were caught on CCTV at 1am on 23rd September 2012 driving north up Long Street.

A barmaid heard a man screaming at 2am and saw Brabbs disappear down an alleyway.

Mr Khan lost consciousness after being stabbed and crashed his van.

24th September 2012 - Brabbs was arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Khan

“We thank North Yorkshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the homicide support team for their support and speedy investigation into Mohammed Saleem Khan's death. We are also grateful to the witnesses who came forward to give their evidence and for the fair trial which resulted in the conviction for murder.”

“James Brabbs has finally admitted his guilt to the brutal and unprovoked attack which has left Mr Khan’s family devastated and shocked the people of Easingwold. “Brabbs has given no reasonable explanation for his actions on the night he stabbed Mr Khan in the neck. “The sentence handed down is the least Brabbs deserves. I hope Mr Khan’s family can take some comfort in the knowledge that justice has been done."

James Brabbs is sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 29 and a half years. Brabbs was on trial at Teesside Crown Court for the murder of Mohammed Saleem Khan who died from stab wounds.